NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College Men's Basketball team took a 32 point lead into the intermission and cruised to a commanding 90-73 victory in the KCAC Semifnals to advance to Hartman Arena for the third straight year.

Bethel came out of the gates firing on all cylinders as Bryant Mocaby opened up the contest with a made three point basket. Later on, the Threshers used an 11-2 run to blow the game wide opening taking a 25-8 lead with just over 11 minutes left in the opening half. 

The final seven minutes of the first half saw Bethel outscore Sterling 23-8 as BC took the commanding 57-25 lead at the break. All 21 of Mocaby's points came in the first half as he shot 6 of 8 from the floor and 3 of 4 from deep. Six Threshers were perfect from the field in the half.

Early on in the second half, Bethel was able to push their lead up to as much as 33 points, their largest of the contest. However, the Warriors weren't going to go away quietly as they immediatley answered with a 10-0 run to cut the lead to 23. Bethel was able to keep their lead in the twenties until the seven minute mark when the Warriors' Kinney finished a fast-break dunk that made the score 77-58.

Sterling was able to get Bethel's lead to as little as 17 points with four and a half minutes left, but the Threshers didn't let it get any closer than that as they held on for the 90-73 victory.

Key Statistic
 
The Threshers shot 83.3% from the floor and 90% from three point range in the first 20 minutes.
 
By The Numbers
 
Bethel scored 25 points off of Sterling turnovers.

The Threshers gave up 12 offensive boards, while pulling in just 3 themselves.
 
Bethel was out rebounded Sterling, 35-29.

Ten Threshers scored in the victory, four in double figures led by Bryant Mocaby's game high 21 points.

Carmelo Yakubu finished with 19 points, Clifford Byrd II had 15 and Christion Whitaker had 10 points.

Byrd II stuffed the stat sheet recording 11 dimes and pulling in 5 boards to go along with his 15 points. This was his sixth double-double of the season.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Bryant Mocaby (21)
 
Rebounds: Carmelo Yakubu (8)
 
Assists: Clifford Byrd II (11)
 
Steals: Clifford Byrd II (3)
 
Blocks: Christion Whitaker (2)
 
Next Up

The Threshers have advanced to the KCAC Tournament Championship on Monday at 6:00 PM. With Southwestern's victory over Oklahoma Wesleyan, the Threshers are the highest seed in the matchup and will be the home team at Hartman Arena as they take on the Moundbuilders.